Czechs Send ‘Burning Bush’ to Oscars

The Czech Film and Television Academy has selected the theatrical version of HBO Europe’s “Burning Bush” as its Oscar entry in the foreign-language category.

Agnieszka Holland’s drama centers on Czech student Jan Palach, who set fire to himself in January 1969 in protest at the Soviet invasion of his country and the crushing of the Prague Spring. It follows attempts by the communist regime to discredit him, and a lawyer’s fight to protect his reputation.

Script was penned by Stepan Hulik.

The drama has played as a three-part miniseries on HBO, and screened at the Toronto fest.